Key Stats for the Old Baldy Trail - 502
About
There are two maps at the USFS Info sheet link below. Page 3 of the pdf file is the updated version. Rd 4614 and 4615 are labeled backwards. Also, the view from Old Baldy referred to in the USFS Info sheet has been reduced by advancing timber. The trail length referenced above includes a side trip up to the summit of Squaw/Tumala Mountain.
The trails in this area mostly pre-date the Forest Service. Consequently, they are “evolved” trails never formally built to Forest Service standards. The routes are uncompromising in logic and purpose, except for a few relocations. They can be quite steep. The Old Baldy Trail is part of an ancient cross mountain route. Most of the timber is a little over 100 years old. The area was a prolific berry producing area before the rampant burning of the area was halted by the establishment of forest protection at the beginning of the Twentieth Century. The consequence of the even-age timber stands are a lack of varied ecosystems. Nonetheless, the impressive stands of Noble Fir are awesome and there is a general quietude in these dark stands that is pleasant to experience.
There is an access trail at the saddle between Squaw Mountain and Twin Springs. This side trail is hard to find from the bottom so make a landmark if you explore the meadows and want to climb back out. Also, some of the meadows are essentially floating peat so don’t fall in to the waterways cut below as one hunter we met did, much to his surprise. This is the most ecologically interesting area for miles in all directions.
Githens Mountain (which Old Baldy passes near) was named for George W. Githens and his son, Henry A. Githens, who were early homesteaders in the area. The Githens tended cattle and harvested the abundant native huckleberries for the Portland Market.1
Featured in 100 Hikes in Northwest Oregon
1Oregon Geographic Names, McArthur, Lewis.
Directions
Travel Hwy 224 thru Estacada – approximately 6.1 miles from Estacada, turn left onto Forest Road 4610 – this is almost directly across from the Promontory Park marina. Travel approximately 17.5 miles on Road 4610 to the abandoned Twin Springs campground on the right. There is a enough space to park off the road. There should be a sign for the trailhead on the left. There is also an access point along the 4614 road. There are no signs and you will have to hunt to find the trail off the road.
Hiked the western portion of this up to Old Baldy on 12/5/2020 – there are a lot of fallen trees just below Old Baldy, including the final ascent to the top.